Introduction:

In a significant development, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has addressed the contentious issue surrounding the Gurugram land deal scam involving former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The court’s ruling clarifies the state government’s authority to decide on the continuation of the commission tasked with probing the scandal, shedding light on the intricacies of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

Arguments:

Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, represented by Narender Hooda and a team of advocates, challenged the formation of the commission headed by Justice S N Dhingra, citing procedural irregularities. On the other hand, the state government, represented by B.R. Mahajan and additional advocates, defended the commission’s validity, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the land deals in question.

Court’s Judgement:

The Punjab & Haryana High Court, led by Justice Anil Kshetrapal, clarified that the commission had not ceased to exist, thus empowering the state government to decide on its continuation. In a nuanced interpretation of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, the court underscored the importance of fulfilling the commission’s purpose, aligning with the spirit of the legislation. Consequently, the court ruled in favor of allowing the government to decide on the commission’s continuation, providing a pathway for further proceedings in the probe.